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April 26, 2006
Morning update
Amazing! I saw Courtney this morning about 6:30AM and she looked great. There is a lot of swelling, but she is able to open both eyes and according to Courtney, she no longer has double vision. The swelling is nothing like it was in Roanoke (and is much more uniform). They switched out her trach to a #4 cuffless which is about as small as they come. Essentially this is the best scenario for normal breathing assuming they want to leave the trach in for a few days. They still haven't capped the trach, but I don't think her upper airways are too swollen, so that shouldn't be a problem.
About the only difficulty for Courtney was coughing. She was having trouble coughing stuff up so they had to suction her airway a few times which, according to Courtney, is scary. Getting the smaller trach should help her to get more coughing strength and also as she wakes up more and starts to sit up this should improve. I don't think they had her on too many narcotics this morning, she was really sharp and writing clear notes on her clipboard.
According to the 4 or 5 residents (believe it or not I don't know how many) we saw this morning from Dr. Park's office, they would like to discharge her at some point this afternoon, assuming she is able to drink enough. They are going to give her a portable suction device to take with her, which will be handy with a wired jaw (actually, it's just a bunch of rubber bands).
As far as the eye alignment goes, it really is an amazing improvement. The lack of double vision is a huge encouragement as this would seem to indicate that everything is back to normal. I think it's entirely possible that the slight disparity I see is only swelling. Regardless, the improvement is dramatic and I couldn't be happier. None of the doctors this morning verbalized any concerns, so I take that as implicit good news.
If we get out of the hospital today, perhaps I'll let Courtney give you the next update. Thanks for keeping up with our progress and your continued prayers. When I think of where we were 12 days ago, and see where we are now, it is nothing short of miraculous.
Posted by mark at April 26, 2006 6:26 AM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
Praise God.
Posted by: Kara at April 26, 2006 7:20 AM
so cool. Praise God.
Posted by: Nate at April 26, 2006 9:47 AM
Thanks for the updates Mark! They are great! So glad to hear that the surgery went well.
Posted by: Amy at April 26, 2006 10:30 AM
yeah... in tears. so happy.
Posted by: rebekah at April 26, 2006 5:33 PM
Mark,
This is so wonderful!! I have been praying for you guys ever since Meg e-mailed everyone--and my home group and lots of friends here in Newcastle are praying as well. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort in the middle of such an exhausting time to write such detailed updates. Praise God that you can see such an improvement and that you and Courtney are encouraged!
Posted by: Mary McCampbell at April 26, 2006 6:05 PM
Thanks for sharing...I am so happy to hear the surgery went well. I will update people from our church as they have been praying for you guys too.
Krista
Posted by: krista at April 26, 2006 6:47 PM
My beautiful Courtney,
I just found out about this website today from Chris (through Chris R.) and am soooo happy to hear all of the updates. I have been bugging your relatives for news! I am especially happy to hear the postsurgery update. I worked some w/ Dr. Parks through orthopaedics and he is very good and does great work! Like everyone else, I along w/ my family and Chris' family have been praying for you many times a day. I am trying to help Jenny w/ Sassafras parties in your place. Just FYI.. I don't lay out the jewelry nearly as good as you. Well, better sign off but wanted you to know how much I am thinking of you and can't wait until our next Weds. AM coffee date, maybe at your house this time... I'll let you recover at home in peace, but know that I am a quick phone call away if you need any nursing or girlfriend stuff. Much Much love, Amy J.
Posted by: Amy and Chris Jones at April 26, 2006 7:11 PM
Dear Courtney, I thought I sent along some comments earlier this week, but seems it didn't get posted. We are Tracy Seefried's parents in Austin, TX. John and I and some of my co-workers at The Jesus Film Project (CCCI) have been following your story and praying for you. May God continue to miraculously and powerfully heal you in His soverign care. We are thinking of you daily and asking God to show Himself very strong in your life now and help Mark and the children. Count on our continued daily prayers!
Posted by: John and Linda Weber at May 5, 2006 4:16 PM